Question from Melissa Mazer
Hi Debra,
I am having a hard time finding cotton window shades (I would prefer not to have anything made custom for a child’s room). I have found cotton roman shades with a polyester backing. These are not a cotton/polyester blend, but, rather two separate layers of fabric. Would you be comfortable with something like this, or will I still have off-gassing from the polyester layer?
Thank you very much for your help!
Debra’s Answer
The problem with polyester is not the polyester itself, but rather the finishes that are commonly applied to them.
Find out if any finishes are used. If not, there shouldn’t be any significant outgassing. Personally though, I would be more comfortable with a 100% cotton shade.
Hi Debra,
I am also looking for cotton shades. You’ve mentioned before that it’s important to wash cotton clothing before use to remove all of the chemicals applied to the cotton in processing. Would the same go for cotton shades or even cotton rugs? I don’t think I’d be able to wash a cotton roman shade or a large cotton rug, so I’m concerned that processing chemicals would be on the shade or rug. Is that something you would be concerned about?
Thanks!!
I only buy cotton curtains that I can wash before hanging and also take down and wash as needed.
It really depends on the individual item. Rugs may not have the same chemical finishes as fabrics.
You may be able to have a Roman shade custom-made with fabric you provide that you have prewashed.